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The dictator defense
Bush's attorney general won't dare explain the real basis for warrantless spying on Americans: Pure, unbridled executive power.
By David Cole [2006-02-10]

  • Rome and Athens

    During emergencies both Rome and Athens appointed persons to govern who had "temporary" absolute power, which was to be relinquished when the crisis was over. There were, however, no objective criteria for determining what was (or was not) a crisis. The crises became of longer and longer duration until they became permanent. Two words in the English language refer to these officials with "temporary" powers: dictator and tyrant. We need to beware of those who use tyranny to protect us from tyranny.

    -- azdirk
    [Read azdirk's other letters]
    Friday, February 10, 2006 05:53 AM
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